By Tony O’Reilly-
A Former Metropolitan Police Service, (MPS) PC Colin Stevens, escaped punishment for racist and sexist conduct against his colleague because he resigned before the typically protracted and flawed investigation occurred into his conduct took place.
An accelerated misconduct hearing, ten years after his offences revealed his involvement in circulating “racist, sexist, and misogynistic messages” between 2013 and 2015 with another serving officer.
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The accelerated hearing on Friday (May 10) determined that Stevens had breached several standards of professional behaviour, including authority, respect, courtesy, equality, diversity, and discreditable conduct.
The severity of his actions led the panel to conclude that his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct, warranting dismissal had he still been in service.
Stevens, formerly attached to the MPS Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP) within Specialist Operations, retired from the force in March 2023, further complicating the disciplinary process. Commander Simon Messinger of Specialist Operations expressed shock and dismay at the language used in the messages, emphasizing the incompatibility of such behaviour with the values of the organization.
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Despite Stevens’ retirement, the hearing’s outcome raises questions about accountability and consequences for retired officers. While the force maintains that Stevens would have faced dismissal if still serving, critics argue that it is unsatisfactory to suggest that retirement absolves an officer of accountability for past misconduct.
Many feel it is for the government and regulatory bodies to find a way to deal with offending police officers who resign before they can be fully held to account for their racial misconduct.
Incidences of racist Whassap messages by unwise and racist police officers have been reported again and again over the past two years- sadly exposing the prevalence of racism in a force that has long been labelled as institutionally racist by two reports.
A comprehensive report by Baroness Louise Casey in 2023, who spent a year investigating the Met Police in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard by Couzens, said Britain’s largest force needs a “complete overhaul” and may need to be broken up.
The Mcpherson report also stated that the Metropolitan Police had handled Stephen Lawrence’s murder so poorly and incompetently due to institutional racism,professional incompetence, and a failure of leadership by senior officers.
Commander Messinger outlined ongoing efforts to improve organizational culture within PaDP, including leadership changes, enhanced supervision, and increased diversity. However, the incident underscores the need for continuous vigilance in upholding professional standards and values.
Stevens will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing, preventing him from future employment within the policing sector. Charmaine Arbouin, Regional Director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, condemned Stevens’ conduct as unacceptable and emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards both on and off duty.
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